As I write to you from my dining room table, Gilman's opening is delayed due to icy roads. By my unofficial count, this is the fourth weather-related delay or closure since Thanksgiving, which has me thinking that the boys have it so easy these days! In my day, we walked uphill to school … both ways … in the snow. Seriously, however, did you know that more than 100 years ago, Gilman actually held outdoor classes throughout the winter? Wow! You can learn about the Open Air School in the Archives section below.

Our boys have different challenges today. They discuss issues on par with any college-level coursework. Then they change uniforms and dunk basketballs, belt out moving renditions of My Girl, or make sandwiches for a food pantry. Gilman's commitment to educating boys in mind, body, and spirit remains strong. It's rewarding and fun to watch the boys grow and develop!

Residents and visitors: please join Headmaster Henry P. A. Smyth as well as select faculty and staff for alumni receptions in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego, CA. and Miami, Palm Beach, and Naples, FL. Hear about all that is happening at Gilman, and reconnect with fellow alumni. Learn more here and register for the California events. Click here for Florida event information and registration.

The Duals

The Haswell M. Franklin '50 Gilman Duals, a highlight of the wrestling schedule since 1984, will take place Saturday, January 27 in the Redmond C. S. Finney Athletic Center. Learn more here. Wrestling alumni are invited to join us in the McCarthy Room, overlooking the Finney Center, between 12:30-2:30 p.m., when generations of Gilman wrestlers will reunite to reminisce and re-connect, while enjoying the action. Click here to register. Please also consider making a contribution to support the Duals.

What's the Buzz?

Lacrosse standouts from the Classes of 1973 through 2009 are making news: Congratulations to David Tickner '73 and Gary Seivold '83, who were just inducted into the Lacrosse Hall of Fame by the Baltimore Chapter of US Lacrosse. And to Marcus Holman '09, who will play for Team USA in this summer's World Championships. Visit Buzz Worthy for more.

Mark Your Calendars: Bull Roast & Alumni Weekend

Tickets are now on sale for the 38th Annual Gilman Bull Roast on Friday, March 2. This great event brings more than 800 alumni, parents and friends back to campus to celebrate the community. Secure your spot today. Click here to donate a silent auction item (like a week at a vacation home, a special bottle of wine, or original artwork) or email Maria Tilley if you or your company are interested in being a sponsor. Can't make it to the Bull Roast? In addition to the contributions already mentioned, please consider sponsoring a ticket for a faculty member!

Alumni Weekend is right around the corner. If your graduation year ends in 3 or 8 we hope you will make plans to attend on April 27-28. Plans are in the works for an exciting schedule of events that includes the art walk, classes without quizzes, alumni and varsity sporting events, and, of course, the class parties. We look forward to seeing you there!

Encountered a Senior Lately?

As you may well remember, Senior Encounter is the capstone experience of the senior year and enables each boy to explore a field of interest with an adult who works in that area. Many alumni report that their Encounters were formative experiences. If you are willing to supervise a senior for a two-week Encounter (May 22 - June 5) please contact Anna Follensbee.